Chicago Named To International Olympic Committee (IOC) Shortlist For Hosting 2016 Olympic Summer Games

 Beijing London Chicago Association  (Chicago, IL): It has been known, for some time, that Mayor Richard M. Daley, the Chicago 2016 Honorary Chairman, would be in Athens, Greece, this week, along with Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan and other Chicago 2016 representatives, on a trip paid for by Chicago 2016, for the June 2-6 SportAccord conference. The SportAccord conference is where, yesterday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) named the shortlist of Candidate Cities who will compete for the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic Summer Games.

Presumptively, Mayor Daley, whose ambition to win, for the city he leads, the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic Summer Games is no secret, was in Athens, on Wednesday, at the SportAccord, with one expectation.

An expectation of which Mayor Daley, and others associated with the Chicago 2016 organization's pursuit of the 2016 Olympic Summer Games, has also made no secret:

“On behalf of the City of Chicago we are honored to represent the United States at SportAccord. This meeting is a great opportunity to showcase Chicago, advance the Olympic movement, and, if we are honored to be ... [included on the] ... Candidate City [shortlist, by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)], proceed with our bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” “Once you're on the shortlist, that is the key” - Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago 2016 Honorary Chairman

“Everybody says you're number one ... [for the shortlist]” - Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago 2016 Honorary Chairman

“You never know how many cities there are gonna be [on the shortlist] ... you just want to get it over with ... then ... you can formally compete in regards to your presentation ...” - Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago 2016 Honorary Chairman

“SportAccord is an excellent opportunity for the Chicago 2016 bid team to continue learning about international sport, develop relationships with other leaders, and cultivate ideas to create a strong legacy of sport ... We enthusiastically anticipate the announcement of Candidate Cities and will be privileged should ... [the International Olympic Committee (IOC) include] Chicago ... on the [shortlist].” - Patrick G. Ryan, Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO

"I think it would be unusual for a candidate from the United States not to ... [be included on the shortlist of Candidate Cities to host the 2016 Olympic Summer Games]. I think it would be very unusual." - Doug Arnot, Chicago 2016 Director of Sports and Operations

“We do feel confident we will advance ... [to the shortlist] ... based upon the rigorous evaluation ... by the U.S Olympic Committee to choose ...“ - Bob Ctvrtlik, USOC Vice-President

So it was, yesterday, on June 4, in the year 2008, that a group of Chicago 2016 insiders gathered amid images showing important points along the time line of their quest, so far, when the collective expectation of Chicago 2016, seemingly, imposed its will on reality. Chicago 2016 insider and Paralympian Linda Mastandrea's words effectively communicated what occurred.

"I am ecstatic ... we all hoped for it and now its here"; the Windy City is on the Shortlist of Candidate Cities competing for the privilege of hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.